Updated on Mar 6,2010 @ 20:25:20 IST

Mar 6, 2010: In the morning Bhagawan was ushered into the hall at 8:30 am, to the chants of Vedas, for a complete round of darshan that lasted for ten minutes. Upon ascending the verandah, Bhagawan proceeded to the Interview Room. Next one hour Bhagawan spent inside granting interviews to three 'groups', including that of Princess of Belgium. After the Interviews, Bhagawan came onstage at 9:53 am while Bhajan was on. Arathi was offered at 9:55 am and Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 10:00 am.

In the evening Bhagawan came into the hall at 6:35 pm while bhajan was on. One could see craning necks trying to catch a glimpse of the Divine, Who glided past through the pathway, under the lights, adding splendour to the already glittering Prasanthi twilight. Ascending the verandah after a fifteen-minute-long-round, Bhagawan proceeded to the bhajan hall before coming on to the dais to preside over the session. Arathi was offered at 7:10 pm. After Arathi, Bhagawan interacted with some of the students and senior devotees before retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 7:25 pm.

Posted at 16:00 IST on Mar 2, 2010

Sun God’s rare privilege of scorching at his best over Parthi during the summer months of March, April and May is no news at all.  In this edition of 2010, the God of Light advanced his entry by a fortnight, making it immediately after Sivarathri. Post Sivarathri days have been simmering with temperature rising up to nearly 39-40 degrees, at times. And the unprecedented stream of devotees continued ever since the Sivarathri days with groups, big and small, making it to Prasanthi Nilayam one after the other.

The fortnight after Sivarathri has been eventful with Prasanthi embracing Divinity’s “uncertainty” more than any time before. The fortnight had glorious “one-week-full” of morning darshans followed by evening darshans everyday, except for the first day of the fortnight, Monday, 15 Feb when The Lord decided to stay indoors, leaving a “blank-day” in Prasanthi Nilayam after many years. Evenings have otherwise been blessed with glittering darshans with The Lord coming out “oddly late” at times, transgressing “man-made” schedules, often prolonging the sessions beyond the veil of twilight.

 Chinese New Year set the trend of morning darshans as Bhagawan glided into the Sai Kulwant Hall with a ‘surprise entry’ after half-past seven on the 17th February blessing the concourse of devotees. While the normal Vedic chanting continued in usual pace, Bhagawan blessed 36 High Lamas of Tibetan Order from Sera Jhe Monastery in Mysore to chant Tibetan Mantras for 20 minutes before the commencement of bhajans.

A total of about 930 Chinese devotees from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong participated in the Chinese New Year celebrations held in Prasanthi Nilayam on the 6th and 7th day of Chinese New Year i.e., 19th and 20th February 2010.  

The theme chosen for this year’s celebration was “Family Harmony – Peace & Prosperity”. Sai Kulwant had a riot of colours with “Chinese Red” made it domineering, marking the festive entry in style. There were also colourful hoardings on the theme of the New Year celebrations. 

19th evening was marked with traditional Chinese offering, chanting of various mantras by the Tibetan High Lamas intertwined by Buddhist rituals. The second day of the festivity was marked with a speech by Billy Fong from Malaysia, Zonal Coordinator for Chinese New Year followed by two cultural programmes, a Burra Katha and a Dance Drama entitled “Unity is Divinity”.

Tibetan High Lamas, the spiritually charged souls from Sera Jhe Monastery in Mysore who have been regularly featuring the Chinese New Year celebrations in Prasanthi Nilayam over the years had the taste of Divinity with Bhagawan preferred to interact with them.

Bhagawan had question galore ‘clarifying’: If the sanyasi knew how to chant the Vedas?...What food they had in Puttaparthi?…The type of food they traditionally have?…Where the lamas dined the previous evening, and if they enjoyed the food at the western canteen?...Composition of group? 20 teachers, 1 lama, 15 sanyasis? etc… Swami also enquired about the afternoon chanting and requested that the monks now chant the same prayer as they would in the afternoon. The monks chanted for approximately half-an-hour.

Swami too gave His blessings for Tibetan Buddhist Mantra Offering for World Peace programme.

…And in the afternoon the Sai Kulwant Hall reverberated with the chanting of “Om Mani Padme Hung” followed by the chanting of the ‘Praise on the twelve exemplary deeds of the Lord Buddha’, which was chanted in the “voice of the Yama”.

On the 20th morning again Bhagawan blessed the monks interacting with them. Upon entering the portico, Bhagawan spoke to Sai Keet, the master of ceremony, and his elder brother, Joon Faii, sons of Capt. Ong from Singapore, Organiser of the 19th Feb programme. Bhagawan conversed with the brothers for a short while before manifesting a gold chain with a pendant of Lord Hanuman for the younger brother. Bhagawan in His inmitable style emphasised that it meant strength, with a mock roar accompanied by hand gestures.

Once seated on the verandah, Bhagawan once again spent a long while speaking to Lama Sangye and Sai Keet. Subsequently, Swami proceeded to the interview room to send a minder with a sample in hand, out to the sanyasis, to enquire if they were permitted to wear white woolen shawls. Bhagawan also sent egg-shaped chocolate prasadam and Vibhuti packets to be distributed to the monks. When the Divine gifts had been properly accorded, Bhagawan told the monks that the shawls could be worn in the evenings when the weather was cooler.

Thereafter the monks were called into the bhajan hall to have a look around of the same. Ever the gracious host, Bhagawan personally conducted a tour of the bhajan hall. Swami began with a history of the bhajan hall and the Sai Kulwant Hall, before explaining in detail about the Ten Avatars adorning the ceiling of the hall. He went on describing the sculpture on the ceiling, an elephant, but when viewed from the opposite direction is a bull, while fondly reminiscing on Sai Gita.  Lord Krishna and Arjuna in the epic Bhagavad Gita and the battle between the forces of good and bad (Pandavas and Kauravas), etc. also came for mention during the Divinely guided tour. Pointing to the plastic cover wherein Bhagawan’s message was printed, Bhagawan pointing at the same repeated it after “Hands that serve are holier than lips that pray”.

Throughout the tour of the hall, Bhagawan frequently instructed that the monks were to have a full lunch at Shanti Bhavan before their long trip back to the Monastery in Mysore. Moreover, Swami invited them to visit Chaitanya Jyothi for a private tour, specially instructing them to see the Tibetan Painting (Thanka) of Swami offered in 2009, before returning. After more than an hour and a half of playing host, Swami blessed the sanyasis yet again before retiring.

Ever since Bhagawan invited Staff and relatives from Bangalore Hospitals to come on Parthi Yatras, there is newly found enthusiasm in the fraternity and the same has resulted in forming a Sathya Sai Samithi over there, as advised and blessed by Bhagawan. A batch of over 140 members, staff and relatives from the Hospital Samithi was in Prasanthi seeking Divine Blessings on the 21st Feb, Sunday. Bhagawan blessed the contingent spending almost ten minutes inside the bhajan hall during evening darshan.

Taking a cue from the Bangalore staff, the staff and relatives from the Super Speciality Hospital, Prasanthigram Samithi, under the banner, “Sai Sameepyam” also paid a group visit to Prasanthi Nilayam, on 27th and 28th Feb, staying inside Prasanthi Nilayam as guests of Bhagawan enjoying proximity (sameepyam). The guests were given special accommodation and food facility as per the special instructions from Bhagawan. 114 members from the Samithi attended the two day Yatra and Bhagawan spent half-an-hour, moving amidst, guiding, conselling and blsessing the contingent, on the 28th evening.

Come March and there starts a barrage of gratitude programmes by the grateful students of Sri Sathya Sai University and Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School. These programmes are expressions of greater love and affection towards Mother Sai for His benevolence in marking and moulding them to become worthy instruments.
2010 version of the Gratitude Series began with the Higher Secondary Batch, both X and XII standard students presenting a programme on the 24th February evening in the Divine Presence.

The programme was a summation of miracle stories happened in many a life depicting Bhagawan as the One behind their lives moulding them into worthy instruments. Miracle stories interwoven with songs of Divine Romance made it a special evening, especially after the boys were tested by Bhagawan’s taste of Uncertainty.

On the scheduled evening when these children were ready to perform, Bhagawan came out at around 5:50 pm for a complete round…It took longer time for Bhagawan to reach on the dais as He chose to speak and bless selected senior devotees and some staff members before making Himself at the dais. Even as the boys were waiting, Bhagawan sat on stage listening to the Vedam till 6:45 pm before calling for Arathi. And upon Arathi came His Divine nod for the boys to pour out with their offering of gratitude.

Similar story for the girls section of Higher Secondary Wing! On the 27th evening the girls were ready with their repertoire and Bhagawan, while blessing the troupe glancing over them during the darshan rounds, settled on the dais as bhajans were on…Upon Arathi, while retiring, the merciful Divine Parent acceding to their prayers settled at the Primary Block to listen to the girls singing for an “exclusive private session” often interacting with many girls.

Bhagawan asked the girls to begin their programme even as He sat in the western corner of the veranda, almost on the slope. The girls began to sing out their hearts in Telugu, Hindi and English, the gist of all their songs being, "Swami, You are our everything; without You, we are nothing and with You by our side, there is nothing that we cannot achieve; We seek You and nothing else." The power and thrill of singing in unison could be felt by all in the hall. They had no mikes to amplify their voice, but their hearts amplified their rich feelings as Swami sat listening. This was followed by students’ offering various things, including soft velvety foot mat, specially made for Bhagawan. With His permission, some of them raised His feet to place the ‘mat’ under. The joy and satisfaction writ on their face was indicative of their love and yearning for Bhagawan. Many of the girls were blessed with opportunities to interact with Him in person. Some had letters in hand, some wanted guidance and some others sought clarifications. Bhagawan also blessed pens and refills for the set of girls appearing the ensuing examination.

A group of 175 Australian Sai Youth had been blessed to have a cultural programme in the Divine Presence on the 25th evening. “Mother of Mine – Mother Divine” was essentially a reflection Bhagawan’s own message to humanity, a clarion call to the world at large to emulate Him respecting and loving one’s own Mother.

Over 3300 devotees from the northern tip of Andhra Pradesh, Adilabad, have come on a Parthi Yatra camping in Prasanthi for three full days. On the last day, 26th Feb evening, they staged a dance drama with an innovative theme bringing to fore the Poet in Sri Sathya Sai. “Kavim Kavinam” was a portrayal of Young Sathya, the Divine Poet “par-excellence” whose compositions were brought to the fore in the presentation with the help of illustrious poet Karunasri and singer Ghantasala along with author-biographer Prof. N. Kasturi.

A group of alumni comprising of 130 boys were in Prasanthi having two-day discussions on would be contribution in terms of service during the ensuing 85th Birthday Celebrations.

The Sayeeshwara Lingam that was sanctified during the Ati Rudra Mahayajna in 2006 is being worshipped every day in the bhajan hall as part of the daily rituals. A new silver base had been prepared and the same was installed on the new base in the Divine Presence on the 25th evening in the bhajan hall.

As construction for the new dormitories is in progress Bhagawan made couple of round of inspection passing by the site, blessing hundreds of labourers enroute.

Veteran VHP leader Ashok Singhal, ace Drummer Anandan Sivamani were some of the celebrity devotees visited Prasanthi Nilayam during the fortnight.

Some of Rose Beneficiaries during the fortnight were:  Capt. Sharma, Director, Sri Sathya Sai Airport, Sri CM Prakash, Manager, Sanathana Sarathi Press, Sri TG Mohan Kumar, Sanathana Sarathi, Capt. Pradhan, Security Officer, Sri Kameshwar Rao, PRO, Mr. Ramalingam, in-charge, IT Centre, Mr. Parameshwaran, Mr. Damodaran, both from Overseas Accomodation Office, Mr. Raghavendra, SSSIHMS, Bangalore, Mr. Gollapudi Ramdas, Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital etc.

Fresh batch of Sevadals from Maharashtra took over Prasanthi Service on the 28th afternoon, replacing the Madhya Pradesh batch that had been on duty during the second half of February.  

Red letter days arrive once in a while in the lifetime of a person. But there are those special days which get etched in gold and if they happen to fall in the lifetime of a person, they create a memory which gets transmitted for generations to come and savour.

It was one such day, the second day in the month of March 2010, specially so for the devotees from Bihar and in general for every devotee who was fortunate enough to be present in the Sai Kulwant Hall at Prasanthi Nilayam. Though it is very tempting to fast forward and rush to the Divine delight that drenched the devotees, it is only fair that everyone be allowed to participate in the day as it unfolded. And so, we begin from the start.

In the beginning, there was nothing! Literally! The previous day, the devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand had arrived to the Sai Kulwant Hall, fully prepared to make a presentation in the Divine Presence. Swami had also permitted them to put up the programme. The schedule in Puttaparthi had undergone a slight metamorphosis.

From the past 5 days, Swami had been coming both in the mornings and the evenings, to the great delight of all the devotees. By 7:40 a.m., He would arrive from the Residence and the glorious old days would get recreated even as the elders reminisced about them. As the golden rays of the summer sun fell on all, the glorious rays of His Grace touched every heart as it showered with divine excitement! Life with God is Nitya Nootana (ever fresh and ever new).

But on the 1st, even as the devotees waited to begin the Holi programme, bhajans had begun at 6:00 p.m., culminating in aarthi at 6:30 p.m. without Swami coming out! The Lord has His reasons and those are beyond the comprehension of mortals. And so when Swami told them in the morning that He would see their programme in the evening, the devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand got ready with sincere prayers and presentation.

The backdrop was in place and the Veda chanting concluded at 5:00 p.m. But well, as we said earlier, in the beginning there was nothing! Nothing in terms of signals of Swami's arrival. Then there was the Word! It was at 6:30 p.m. that there was word of Swami's arrival. And then came God! There were little girls on either side of the pathway welcoming Swami into the hall with earthen lamps in their hands. Swami moved through them and as He reached the centre, He turned to the right and moved straight up the stage.

The chanting had restarted and Swami sat listening to the chants for a while. Then He asked for them to stop and asked for the programme to begin. A row of gents and ladies made a beeline to Swami to make the initial offerings and then the participant children moved up the stage. Swami smiled broadly at them as He received the roses and blessed them with a few words too. The programme then began.

There was a garland of dances in celebration of the colorful festival of Holi. It began with a traditional dance by little girls seeking Swami's blessings by way of a visit to Bihar! The next one was by the boys and was tuned to a popular song, "Maula Mere Le Le Meri Jaan." The boys sought Swami with all their heart as the lilting melody filled the air. As Swami started keeping rhythm to the song, one could not help but think of the good fortune of the singer and composer.

It was a song to the Lord and it had found fulfillment that day, even though the singers and composer were maybe unaware, as it was played in the Divine Presence. This goes to show that anything in God's name done with the heart ultimately reaches Him - in one way or the other. The next dance was done by girls dressed in multicoloured lehangas as they brought out the various hues of feelings on the Holi day.

The fourth dance was a piece in Bhangra and the song had been specially composed for the occasion of Holi. The culminating dance depicted the Holi celebrations in Brij, the childhood place of Lord Sri Krishna. It was a beautiful sight to imagine the Lord playing with water and colours with His beloved devotees, the gopikas and the gopalas.

As the dances concluded, the next part of the programme - a drama entitled "Sita Kalyanam"- was announced. Swami's eyes seemed to light up even as the drama was announced. The main characters came up to Swami and sought His blessings before commencing the presentation. The drama opens at the hermitage of sage Vishwamitra whose sacrifice has been protected by the brothers Rama and Lakshmana.

The invitation to attend the Svayamvara of Sita comes and the brothers with sage Vishwamitra head towards Mithila. There, Lord Rama breaks the great Shivadhanush (bow of Lord Shiva) and then wins Sita's hand in marriage. Swami was absorbed in the drama which had dialogues delivered very slowly so as to ensure each word sinks into the audience's consciousness. Just before Rama broke the bow, Swami moved into the interview room.

By the time He came out, the drama had been completed. As soon as He arrived on the stage, Swami asked the State President, "Did Rama and Sita garland each other?" When he told Swami that the drama was over and Rama and Sita had been wed, Swami seemed to beg to differ! He said that there is a manner in which Sita Kalyanam is done. And then began a most unforgettable night!

First Swami asked the Vedam group to start chanting. Swami now began to issue a series of instructions through the state president and two different students. He first asked all the children to stand up. The box on which the bow of Shiva lay was brought back into position. Swami said that He would now direct the Sita Kalyanam!

King Janaka was told to fetch his daughter from the left side. Rama and the others were told to stand on the opposite side. Swami asked for the chairs to be brought and placed for all the "elders" in the scene. They were all seated and then Swami told Janaka to offer his daughter to Rama. Even as Rama and Sita came face to face, Swami told them to exchange garlands.

As the pair placed the garlands on each other, thunderous applause filled the air and Swami broke into a sweet smile. Then, He asked both of them to sit next to each other on chairs. Rama sat on Sita's right but Swami asked him to shift to her left side. Then, Swami asked for akshatha grains to be brought and had it showered on the 'couple' by the elders.

He told all the members of this new "drama" also to participate and shower grains. Holding fistfuls of these grains, Rama and Sita poured them on each others head as per the custom. Then, Swami asked for one end of Sita's saree to be tied to one end of Rama's dhoti. That was done and then the couple was asked to move thrice around the bow of Lord Shiva which seemed to take the place of the holy fire! The whole hall watched in spiritual rapture as this grand spectacle was conducted by Swami.

Swami then asked the Vedam group to chant the "Mangalyam" - the holy chants which are sung during the marriages. The Sita Kalyanam is the reminiscence of a sacred event of the distant past which celebrates the day Sri Rama and Sita entered into matrimony. It is considered highly auspicious and one need hardly say that the auspiciousness had been multiplied infinitely once Swami took charge.

Swami asked for the thrones to be placed in the center and asked Rama and Sita to be seated. Swami now asked for the bhajans to begin and songs celebrating the union of Rama and Sita, of Prakruti and Paramatma, the individual soul and the Supreme soul, were sung. At this point, Swami moved down from the stage and then posed for photographs with Rama and Sita.

He delighted in rearranging the various members at the 'wedding' to ensure various good snaps. Finally He called the State President also to pose alongside Him. He then spoke to all the members. In the same vein, He also granted group pictures to all the various dance troupes that had performed earlier. Then He gave padanamaskar to all the members of all teams. Blessing them thus, Swami moved back onto the stage.

He was still not satisfied! He put all the 'ladies' to one side and the 'gents' to the other. Right in the front, He placed Rama and Sita. Then He called the photographer and videocameraman and asked them to shoot! It was like the coverage of a marriage event! And what a Divine marriage it was! The photographer turned around his camera to show the picture to Swami and Bhagavan gazed at it for a while. Swami then got sarees and white cloth pieces to be distributed to all.

As the distribution went on, Swami blessed prasadam too to be distributed to all. The children were all in a daze and they would scarcely be able to realize the great good fortune that had been conferred on them. It was 8:45 p.m. when Swami received aarthi and it was almost nearing nine when He finally moved into His residence.

Posted at 11:25:00 IST on Mar 3, 2010

Over 1500 devotees including Bal Vikas children from the northern states of Bihar and Jharkhand had assembled in Prasanthi Nilayam for the last two days to celebrate in the Divine presence the festival of Holi (festival of colours). After missing out the first day’s scheduled programme, that was cancelled, the children from the state were eager to have their final presentation on the “final” evening, 2nd March 2010.

Bhagawan ushered into the Sai Kulwant Hall at 6.30 p.m. to the chant of Vedas, taking a detour, directly ascending the dais. Proceedings began as the organizers and Bal Vikas children made a beeline seeking blessings from Bhagawan.

The first programme for the evening was a garland of songs that was originally scheduled for the previous evening. Reflecting the cultural traditions of the North during the auspicious Holi festivity the Bal Vikas children from these states danced vibrantly to the delight of one and all. To mention the theme of a few of the dances: “No action fructifies without divine love”, a dance on the concept of Sufi mystics – “I have no separate identity”. A dance done sprightly: “Let Your infinite love awaken our hearts”. This was followed the Holi song “Rang Ley…” to finally end with “Ras Bhari Holi dance”, which was a depiction of how Mother Yashoda is lost in child Krishna’s divine pranks.

SITA KALYANAM – A PLAY BY BAL VIKAS CHILDREN OF MITHILA

The next programme was a drama, “Sita Kalyanam” by the Bal Vikas children from Mithila.

The scene begins when Sage Viswamitra expressing happiness over the successful conduct of Yajna. He lauds Rama and Lakshmana profusely for warding off the demons from the Yajnashala (site where the Vedic sacrifice is conducted). When Rama and Lakshmana express their desire to go back to Ayodhya, Viswamitra says that they have to go to the court of King Janaka in Mithila. Rama reverentially says to the sage that they had been commanded by their father only to protect his Yajna. At this point of time, Viswamitra reminds them that it was also the command of their father to obey his command. Rama humbly submits to the Sage and agrees to accompany him to Mithila. During their journey, Sage Viswamitra tells Rama about the Siva Dhanush (Siva’s bow) and its efficacy. Rama becomes curious of the bow.

Upon reaching Mithila, King Janaka gets enraptured and spellbound at the brilliance of Rama and Lakshmana and makes fervent enquiries about them to the Sage. It is then that King Janaka tells about the Dhanur Yajna and his desire to give Sita in marriage to the prince who lifts and strings the bow. On King Janaka’s orders the Siva Dhanush in brought to the Yajna hall. The king says how Sita as a child moved the Dhanush with her tender fingers while playing a game of ball with her playmates. Thus, his desire to give Sita in marriage to the one who lifts and strings the bow. Rama nonchalantly opens the box and lifts the bow with His left hand and while he is about to string the bow, it breaks with a thud sound. King Janaka now rises in prostration to fulfil his declaration. Viswamitra observes that the dutiful son Rama is, the king shall communicate the news to emperor Dasaratha first. The emperor consults his preceptors who bless him. There are joyous acclamations and the entire party from Ayodhya proceeds to Mithila. The happy marriage of the divine couple takes place to the joy of the entire gathering. At this happy note, the drama concluded.

During the last scene of the marriage of Sita and Rama, Bhagawan had gone to the interview room. When He returned to the dais, to the surprise of everyone, Bhagawan asked the organisers for a re-enactment of the scene of divine communion of Sita and Rama. The scene was enacted to the chant of Vedas. Yes, it was a scene for everyone to cherish. It had all the grandeur of the divine marriage. Regal thrones were placed for the divine couple. Bhagawan even asked the State President of Bihar and Jharkhand to shower Akshatas (sanctified rice) on the cast who played the roles of Sita and Rama. Bhajans on Lord Rama were sung by the students. Bhagawan went amidst the participants for an extended photograph session. He even blessed the support staff with a photograph session. Clothes were distributed to all the participants. Prasadam was distributed to everyone present in the hall. Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 8.30 p.m.

It may be reminded to the readers that in the previous year the contingent from Bihar had the “test and taste” of Divinity when the troupe had to retreat after going blank without getting Divine nod of approval, during their scheduled stay in Prasanthi. All merciful Lord whose penchant for “testing” is well known, called them back, who were onboard and had already crossed Dharmavaram moving towards Anantapur. Rest was history as the children were blessed to have a wonderful programme in the Divine Presence.
 

Bhagavan came for morning darshan on Thursday and Saturday this week, as mentioned at the Books and Publications website. On Thursday evening He did not come for darshan and the bhajans concluded with Arati just after six o'clock. On Friday, Bhagavan came for evening darshan at half-past five. Once He came to the verandah after His round of Sai Kulwant hall, He interacted for nearly fifteen minutes with representatives from the various institutions here who were formerly His students, making preparations for cultural programmes during a Bhagavatha Sapthaham to be held here between Yugadi and Ramanavami this month.

This morning, Bhagavan went for a drive beyond the Super Speciality Hospital and returned at half-past eight to the Mandir. Sitting onstage with the Vedam chanting going on, Swami asked for the Arati at nine o'clock and then returned to His residence. The outgoing batch of students of the Prasanthi Nilayam campus of the Sri Sathya Sai University were ready with their gratitude programme in the evening. Bhagavan arrived for darshan at a quarter to six and came to the bhajan hall to interact briefly with the students in costumes there. He came onstage to begin their performance just after six o'clock. The 70 minute presentation had songs, short speeches and skits presenting their love and gratitude to Swami. Bhagavan blessed them with group photographs in small batches and sent prasadam for all. It was half-past seven when He returned to His residence after Arati.

Updated on Mar 8, 2010 @ 19:10:00 IST

Mar 8, 2010: In the morning, Bhagawan was ushered into the hall at 8:17 am to the chants of Vedas. After a detailed round that took 13 minutes, interacting with many, Bhagawan straight away proceeded to the interview room. At 8:30 am, two youngsters from The Dominican Republic were called in for Interview that lasted for half-an-hour. After the interview, Bhagawan came out at 9:00 am and moving through the upper verandah, blessing many, came on to the podium to officiate bhajan session that lasted till 9:40 am when Arathi was offered. Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 9:45 am.

In the evening, Bhagawan was ushered into the hall at 5:20 pm while bhajan was on. Completing the round of darshan, upon ascending the verandah at 5:30 pm, Bhagawan called a group of senior representatives from Sai Sannidhi, a forum of alumni working with various institutions in Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan, for an interview. After a forty-minute interview, Bhagawan came into the bhajan hall at 6:10 pm; coming out through the rear entrance, blessing many while gliding past, Bhagawan moved on to the dais at 6:19 pm to preside over the bhajan session that had been on. Arathi was offered at 6:25 pm and Bhagawan moved to the Yajur Mandiram at 6:30 pm.

Mar 7, 2010: In the morning, Bhagawan came out in car at 7:40 am and went out to the hospital side. Returning at 8:30 am through the Yajur Mandiram end to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan came for a full round of darshan. Alighting on the Verandah, He proceeded to the dais to preside over the vedam chanting session for next half an hour. There was no bhajan session as Arathi was offered at 9:05 am before Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage of devotees. Being sunday, student fraternity was also present for darshan.

In the evening, Bhagawan came out at 5:40 pm granting darshan to the sunday assemblage of devotees. Coming for a full round of darshan, Bhagawan, upon alighting the verandah, went into the bhajan hall to bless a group of boys in costumes awaiting, seeking blessings as a part of the evening's scheduled gratitude programme by 'Final Graduate and Final Post Graduate' combine. After blessing the group Bhagawan went into the interview room before coming out at 6:05 pm to preside over the session. The one-hour programme was an outpouring of gratitude galore that ended at 7:10 pm. Extensive photograph session followed as various groups came onstage to pose with "Swami". Arathi was offered at 7:25 pm and Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 7:35 pm. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage of devotees.

Posted at 13:46:23 IST on Mar 8, 2010

With advancing March comes the call for Thanksgiving. Pouring in gratitude for “making and remaking”, “shaping and reshaping” , leading them unto the gateway to “Eternal Garden”, student fraternity takes this opportunity to sing 'their' hearts out in collective gratitude to 'their' Beloved Swami, to whom they are eternally indebted for His unparalleled role of Divine Parent.

Coming up with the second programme in the Gratitude Series, students of “Final UG & Final PG” combine presented an integrated show in the evening on Sunday, 7 Mar, in the immediate Divine Presence of Bhagawan.

The proceedings began with a barrage of offerings including cake-cutting by various student groups. Beginning with the story of the beauty, grandeur and glory of His Divine Advent expressed through a Telugu song, these grateful students opened the floodgates pouring in gratitude galore with each and every student taking his turn to express what he felt deep inside by being with Swami over the years.

Does a mere “thank you” make sense, do justice to ‘someone who traversed with us’ all along? …asked these grateful students singing unto Him that In gratitude we have nothing to offer…we offer everything unto Thee…

Many who walked into the portals like an ordinary are now walking out of the portal becoming “something special”, an achievement they credit to His immense grace and love. With Bhagawan we have become heroes. A barrage of gratitude speeches or expressions that followed echoed the above sentiment, as to how Bhagawan influenced their lives, remaking their lives to become what they are now, bringing in confidece to face the world as ambassadors of His Mission.

A scene from the Dwapara involving Lord Krishna, the Pandavas and Sage Narada followed drawing parallels between the five Pandava Brothers, who were effective instruments at the hands of Lord Krishna, and these grateful students who are the modern Pandavan donning effective role in Sai Mission.

Expressions and singing continued with students chose to speak in their vernacular reminiscing personal anecdotes that enriched their lives.  Lighting the twilight to greater ecstasy, they sang in chorus,

In every moment of my life, please be with me
In every single act of mine, be Thou my Guide
Baba Sai Baba
When I slip, When I fall, lend me a hand
When I stray far away, bring me back again
Baba Sai Baba
From the darkness into light Lead me Father
From unreal into Real
Baba Sai Baba

Though the spoken language varied as many chose to express their heart out with vernacular touch, what reflected and what heard was the voice of the language of heart, pure love for Swami.

Adding fillip to the already charged-up mood, pouring gratitude, illustrating religious harmony, they danced to the tune of popular telugu number bringing nostalgic memoirs of the Shirdi Baba!

Interesting personal stories followed, highlighting what each one of them learnt from the subtle moves of Bhagawan, from their interactions with Bhagawan, from their stay with Him over the years. While one of the students learnt the greater lesson to “Utilise chances granted by Bhagawan, while being careful not to take chances with Him”, another one had a personal experience from the primary school days that taught Him the “Omniscience of Bhagawan”.

Expressing grateful thanks for the wonderful facilities, teachers, sister institutions that helped to mould them what they are today, they attempted to redefine the term “Chancellor”, who with His all-conquering love granting them “chances galore”…One after one, many a student popped up to spell out what this unique Chancellor has done for the student fraternity, right from giving safari pieces to attending a sports match in the indoor stadium, right from blessing on birthday occasions to cure them during days of ailments, right from solving family problems to infusing greater confidence in leading a life worthy of His message, He has ever been granting that “smile” in His ‘attempt’ to bring a smile back in their faces by His ‘action galore’.

Lucky are these bunch of students as they get the rarest privilege to “yell” at Him with their hearts full of love, WE LOVE YOU SWAMI, sitting right at His Feet!!!

The one- hour-programme was followed by an exclusive, extensive photo session as different group came on stage to pose with Bhagawan. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage of devotees.

Earlier Bhagawan was ushered in to the hall at 5:40 pm to the chants of Vedas. Before commencing the programme, Bhagawan blessed a group of students, enacting the Mahabharata part, in the bhajan hall. Programme commenced at 6:10 pm and lasted for an hour. Arathi was offered at 7:25 pm before Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 7:35 pm.

At the end “gratitude’ was ringing in many an ear as these students made it a precise practical demonstration of the art of “Thanksgiving” to the Almighty!  God granted them the sunshine in their lives and in turn it is their right to sing a Song of Gratitude!

February 25, 2010 – Drama by Sai Youth from Australia

The youth from Down Under had been blessed to present a programme before Swami on February 25. The mini backdrop was in place and the youth in yellow - the men in yellow scarves and the women in yellow sarees - sat prepared with their musical. It was just past 7:00 p.m. when Swami arrived for darshan.

The night seemed to light up in every sense. All the additional chandeliers in the hall came on and the faces of everyone seemed to emanate a strange glow. When the wait for Swami increases, the pining too seems to increase. As a result, the joy of seeing Him is also multiplied manifold and people vent it through applause and excited murmuring sounds interspersed with loud "Sairams"! Swami moved through the ladies' side, blessing some who had been recently wed and some others who held out their darling babies.

Moving across the "yellow sea" formed by the Australian youth, Swami entered the gents' side. Moving through the portico, Swami arrived on to the stage. It was 7:20 p.m. when He told the Veda chanting to cease and asked for the programme to begin.

Cards and floral offerings were made and even as Swami blessed them, the Aum karam started. Then, a few members knelt and offered their love and gratitude in words. One of them spoke for full five minutes in pure Telugu. It was a fantastic effort and everyone appreciated it. Then the drama began.

It was based on the theme "Love the mother as God." It traced the life of two boys as they grow up into a successful pilot and an engineer. The Mother suffers from cancer but she keeps it a secret in order not to become an obstacle for the careers of the fatherless boys. Blissfully unaware, the boys achieve their dreams when one day, they learn about their mother being seriously ill.

The pilot flies in the right direction towards his mother while the other is unable to give up the career. The dialogues presented powerful reasons for one to stay by the Mother forever. It was here that Swami's was used as an example of an ideal son.

There was the ice cream vendor who was the thread for the whole drama. He also brings the "other" son onto the right track with his oblique remarks and powerful quotes from Swami. The repentant son then rushes to his mother who is on the deathbed.

Then a miracle takes place when heartfelt prayers to Swami cancels the cancer and everyone is happy. The drama was moving in its depiction of the sacrifice of a mother and Swami was emotional once or twice during the drama. As the presentation concluded, Swami asked for safari pieces to be brought.

He permitted the youth to sing songs that they had prepared. The group singing was full of energy and vigour. They sang songs in Hindi, English and Telugu. After 15-20 minutes, they were through and Swami agreed to move down to grant them group pictures. In a neat disciplined manner, one after another, the gents and ladies formed a neat curve around Him as pictures were taken.

Swami then moved up the stage and asked for the aarthi. He blessed the safari pieces to be distributed to all the participants of the drama. He also blessed prasadam to be distributed. Then He moved into the Bhajan Hall.

A new silver base had been made for the Saishwara lingam. Swami had a look at it in the Bhajan Hall. He gave permission to the priest to change the base for the lingam. He also blessed the other new silverware for worship. Then, He moved out of the Bhajan Hall and retired for the day. The time was 8:30 p.m.

And don't forget to be thankful!                                                      SMILE WITH RAMNATH

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Posted at 22:20:20 IST on Mar 17, 2010

Srimad Bhagavatham is one of the most sacred and important of the Puranas present. It is considered as the Mahapurana amongst the 18 Puranaas.

The very word Bhagavatham means Song about the Lord, who is filled with Bhaga or aishwaryaas or auspicious qualities (astha aishwaryaas). Bhagavatham is not a mere epic that speaks just about the Lord and His leelas or plays, but it is an epic in which one can find the ultimate reality embedded in the form of stories. Each of the chapter in Bhagavatham, each story in the Bhagavatham has some deep import to be told with respect to the ultimate reality of Brahman or Consciousness or Self – one without a second. This makes Bhagavatham a very important work for ardent seekers of the reality.

Srimad Bhagavatham has a total of 18000 slokas split across 12 Skandaas. Each skanda is further split into various chapters. These chapters have slokas which explain the ultimate reality through various stories, descriptions of the Lord, His sportive plays among other things.

Srimad Bhagavatham is in the form of a dialogue between Suta and Saunaka Sages. Suta was the disciple of Vyaasa to whom Vyaasa taught the Puranaas and Vedas along with his own son Suka. Suta tells that Bhagavatham was taught by Suka to King Parikshit in 7 days learning which Parikshit attained the immortal state of Self or Consciousness here in this world itself (before being bit by the snake Takshakan).

The Bhagavatha Saptaaham is famous and performed in various places (as Suka explained it to Parikshit in 7 days). These seven days the slokas of Bhagavatham is chanted followed by stories and commentaries.

Bhagavatham itself says about its purpose in the 12th Skanda:

Sarva Vedaantha saaram yad brahma aatmaikya lakshanam
Vasthu Adviteeyam tannishtam kaivalyam ekam prayojanam

In Prasanthi, it is His Story that is retold in His immediate presence…When Bhagavatha Saptaaha happens in Prasanthi, the audience is not alone the devotees, but includes the silent listener of all conversations, The One, who has embodied yet again in human form, Bhagawan Himself! …And here the stories are narrated in a customized style, without going by the slokas as given in Srimad Bhagavatham, instead going by selected stories from the epic with a mix of the story and mission of the life of the present Avatar.

On the scheduled morning, Bhagawan emerged at 9:27 to the chants of Vedam. Being the inaugural day of the week-long Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam, Vedam continued even after the scheduled hour at 9. The proceedings for the morning began with lighting of the lamp by the Divine Hands, after which, the Pandit, Sri Ritu Raj ji Maharaj, and his escorts sought Divine Blessings to commence the commentary.  

As a prelude to the Commentary, invocatory prayer was offered to Bhagawan followed by various other Mantras invoking various "Gods and Goddesses". Beginning his commentary with an intro on Bhagavatham, the Pandit attributed the epic to Bhagawan hailing Him to be the Soul of the Epic.

Maharaj began the story with a dialogue between Bhagawan Sri Krishna and His devotee Udhdhava. When Udhadhava asked as to how he could offer worship to the Divine form of Krishna after He departs from physical form, Bhagawan replies that by worshipping and studying the Bhagavatham one would get the fruits of worshipping His Divine form.

Further elucidating on the greater efficacy of the epic and the greater importance of the event happening in the Divine Presence of Bhagawan Himself, Maharaj in his inimitable style went on narrating the birth of Sage Suka and the story as to how he was endowed with wisdom before his birth.

Scene shifted to Sage Narada narrating the story of a woman and her two sons to the sages, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanat Kumara and Sanat Sujata etc., bringing in the symbolic significance, summarizing that Sage Narada was instructed by a celestial voice that he should take up narrating the sacred Bhagavatham, for that alone would help in reviving and restoring Bhakti, Jnana, Vairagya to their pristine glory.

Next to come was an incident that happened in the banks of Tungabhadra involving Atmadeva, narrating the birth of Dunduli and Gokarna, Dunduli’s evil deeds and atrocities on Atmadeva etc.  Upon informing Gokarna about his travails, Gokarna brings greater wisdom by advising his father about the unfortunate family bonding, explaining in detail of the futility of material life, requesting his father to renounce the world and go to forest to and read the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam every day.

The Maharaj used a rare mix of Bhagavatha tales with the present day stories of Bhagawan and His ongoing Divine Mission set in motion for the greater benefit of the world.

The morning session came to an end at 11:05 when Bhagawan called for Arathi before retiring to Yajur Mandiram. 

Posted at 23:25:32 IST on Mar 16, 2010

The fortnight that was passed by had been eventful in many ways. Beginning with the trails of Holi celebrations, the fortnight began with the touch of uncertainty, with the scheduled evening for Holi celebrations went ‘blank’ with Bhagawan opted to stay indoors leaving the Bihar contingent to pray for the next evening session. And, what followed on the next day was a “Divine Act” of demonstrating the “actuality of power of interaction”!

On the evening of 2 March when there was a scheduled programme, a dance drama - Sita Kalyanam, by Balvikas children from Bihar, Bhagawan made the event most memorable by directing the climactic scene Himself, sending a barrage of instructions. It appeared as if The Lord was reliving the moments of the time of Lord Rama, as He guided the climactic scene to be re-enacted by sending instructions galore, airing a subtle message of greater importance adhered with the epochal event called “Sita Kalyanam”. Sita Kalyanam could be reminiscent of a sacred event of the distant past, but, the event as such is not an ordinary and has to be credited with due respect and reverence and Bhagawan had aptly aired this message ‘performing’ the event, in His own style as deemed fit by Divinity. Finally when Bhagawan retired to His Abode, it was 8:50, a record by Parthi standards!

There were over 1400 devotees from Bihar apart from due share from the rest of the country camping in Prasanthi for the holy Holi occasion. And reminding one of the previous year’s Divine Drama, wherein the Bihar contingent was called back after they returned from Prasanthi, drawing naught in their attempt to stage Holi programme, the first day, supposedly the day of Holy went blank with Bhagawan staying indoors, not coming out for Darshan. Incidentally, the children who performed the eventful dance drama, Sita Kalyanam, were from Mithila, the birthplace of Mother Sita.

With advancing March and exams coming closer, there was a flurry of Gratitude programmes with various student groups vying to pour out ‘their’ hearts in gratitude to Bhagawan for “making and remaking”, “shaping and reshaping” , leading them unto the gateway to “Eternal Garden”.

First to come was by the Final UG – PG combine on 7 March, followed by the outgoing batch from Music College on 11 March.

The fortnight was enjoying the results of the slight metamorphosis in Prasanthi schedule, with Bhagawan coming out on most of the days granting morning Darshans as well. Continuing with Darshan galore from the previous week, the fortnight had sumptuous Darshan sessions, 11 morning Darshans and 11 evening Darshans.

A group of 600, including office bearers of the Sathya Sai Organisation, had come from Tamil Nadu, invoking and inviting Bhagawan to Chennai.  And similar story from Delhi; prominent senior devotees from Delhi, including Former Air Chief Marshal, OP Mehra, Former Diplomat, SK Rasgotra, Former Education Secretary, MK Kaw, Former Military General, ML Chibber etc. were also camping here, apparently with a prayer invoking Bhagawan to Delhi. Apart from various other groups visited during the fortnight, one group that made its presence was a “Group of 85” Rudram Youth belonging to Karnataka Youth. The group had come after conducting 15,500 Rudram chanting in 85 houses, completed in a record 66 days, as part of the 85th year of Advent of Bhagawan. The group was blessed to be called in for a special session, held in the bhajan hall, wherein they had the rarest opportunity to chant in presence of Rudra Himself, at His specific Command and Will. Moving through the row of disciplined Youth, twice, Bhagawan blessed the entire group listening to their chanting, interacting with them in between.

Interestingly, nothing goes unnoticed by the Divine and His calling the group at the odd hour, when such a thing was not the least expected, itself had a tale worth mentioning. Sivarathri repeats every month and the 13th evening, the Saturday, was supposedly the Masa Sivarathri, Shani Pradosha, the most auspicious day after the Sivarathri in February. Masa Sivaratri is an auspicious day to perform Siva Puja which is observed on every Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi day in a Hindu month. And once the auspicious time “Sani Pradosha”, had started, Swami called the group in to allow them to chant Rudram in His presence. Bhagawan Himself had aired this message to the group leader.

Ratan Tata was again back in Prasanthi Nilayam seeking Divine Darshan. After making his first visit to the ashram in December, Tata was seen yet again seeking His darshan on the 3rd evening and 4th morning. He was blessed with a private audience.

Interviews, picking devotees from public, used to be a regular affair of the bygone days. ...And when such a thing repeates, when Bhagawan picks up someone from the public for interview, it becomes a rare event, evoking greater interest. On the 8th Mar, during His morning round of darshan, Bhagawan picked up two spanish speaking youngsters from Dominican Republic for half an hour interview. It is to be noted that such an event happend once during the previous year and this is only the first time someone or group was picked up from the public for an interview, during this year.

A new van for Mother and Child Care section of EWWP was blessed by Bhagawan which would be pressed into service for emergency care of the section.

The fortnight witnessed Bhagawan moving out in His car on the 11th morning. Driving out through the Primary School Bhagawan went to the hospital side to take a detour from the petrol bunk to come back to Ashram through Culvert Gate at the rear west end of Prasanthi. Moving through the dormitory work-in-progress site Bhagawan returned to Yajur Mandiram, blessing hundreds lined up en route for a glance of the Divine.

Summer that was set in immediately after Sivarathri in February is going high, scorching at its best over Parthi.

Close on the heels of the Gratitude Programmes came another music fiesta, this time the University Brass Band celebrated its 25th Year in the Divine Presence with innovative musical touch bringing yet another smile on their Beloved Bhagawan.

Maharashtra Batch of Sevadals have completed their tenure of duty during the fortnight passing the mantle to a mix of south indian states, namely, Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, a regular practice during summer months, that has been on from the days when Bhagawan would be away from Prasanthi Nilayam during the period.

Everyone strives to bring a smile on Bhagawan’s face by endeavouring to excel with the best of their ability. Sai Sannidhi, a forum of grateful alumni working with various institutions in Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan has been active during the fortnight with reference to a Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam to be conducted between Ugadi and Ram Navami festival. The “Sai Sannidhi” group has been graciously given the task of conducting the Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam scheduled to start on the 17th Mar.

Posted at 12:11:20 IST on Mar 15, 2010

"I separated Myself from Myself in order to love Myself…" is the quote that talks about the Divine Mystery of creation. With the Creator’s earthly show on, Prasanthi often gets to witness entertaining sessions, wherein Lord opts to sit and watch His wards excelling in every aspect of life, soaring high, breaking benchmarks.

Mar 14, the Sunday evening turned out to be yet another glorious evening that was fortunate to witness the Silken Bond of Love between “The Lord” and “His Students”! The title “His Student” is not an exaggerated usage, as it is this fraternity that is most privileged to entertain Him, the subtle import of which is not known to ordinary mortals. It was just a day before that Bhagawan casually asked about any possible programme for the ensuing day.  The Prasanthi Brass Band that is in its silver jubilee year and has essentially become the virtual University Brass Band lost no time in gearing up with a programme for the scheduled evening.

A half-an-hour programme had some scintillating music pieces, weaving His Story through His Story - The Story of His Avataric Advent, in a most innovative style, with a mix of compeering, singing followed by sounding through Band Instruments.

Beginning with a full throated “Jai” in line with what one would witness in soap operas, like epics, The Ramayana and Mahabharata, invoking the Advent of the “Mighty King of Kings”, the troupe produced a scintillating musical gem, a heartfelt offering ‘singing’ on the most auspicious happening, His Advent, rejoicing the occasion.

Ganalola Priya or the lover of music, the Poetic Sai, who coined words into thematic rhymes teaching greater lessons, was remembered through another scintillating piece in tune with the National Anthem, an innovative piece that was followed by “Rama Kodanda Rama…”, a piece depicting His greater compassion, love for humanity. The next piece was reminiscing Sai, the role-model, encompassing the events related to 20th October 1940, the day when He threw His books away to declare that He is Sathya Sai, come to serve the world…and the music piece was “Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam…”

How can one develop love for God? Leaping into Sai’s Mission, the talented bunch combined a variety of instruments, a saxo-guitar-violin combine, to produce the answer to the question…that is…”Hari Bhajan Binaa Sukha Shanthi Nahin…”.

Hailing Bhagawan to be the sole inspiration for every tune they have played all through these twenty five years, envisioning the proud mother in Sai, telling “Naa Bhangaru Pillelu…” (my golden children), they had a final prayer to take them in His hands to make them worthy instruments in His glorious mission.

Exclusive photo session followed, onstage, after which in “Gratitude”, the Band played the final song for the evening, in tune with Swami’s often heard, “Love is My form….Truth is my breath…”.

Safari pieces and sweets were distributed to the entire troupe upon which, Bhagawan moved down to pose for a group photograph with the entire band troupe, an additional incentive from Mother Divine!

Earlier Bhagawan arrived at the hall at 6 to the chants of Vedas. Taking a detour to come on stage He called for the Band Troupe for blessings to commence the programme. 

   Bombay Srinivasan

Panchavati is a place on the banks of River Godavari running near the city Nashik. Sri Rama stayed in this place during His sojourn in the forest with Sita and Lakshmana. It was from this place that  Ravana kidnapped mother Sita and took Her  away to Lanka.  Sri Rama was well aware of the plans of Ravana and made preparations for the momentous developments, and resolved with Mother Sita, on their strategy and plans.  Bhagavan Baba had beautifully narrated the entire conversations in detail in one of His divine discourses. Since Sai Himself is Sri Rama, the following words should be exact words from Rama. Let us go through the Divine dialogue.   (Source Sai Vaani)

 RESOLVE AT PANCHAVATI

Swami  said:

When Ravana came near Panchavati in order to kidnap Sita, Rama suddenly felt that the moment of fulfillment of their task had come. Rama sent Lakshmana to collect tubers and fruits for the day.  And, noting that the proper hour had come, He told Sita thus:

“Companion! You know all. Both of us are aware why we have come on earth, and what our task is.  That task is now calling us. We have to enter upon it, in right earnest now.  Your nature and characteristics are noble and holy beyond measure.  We both have assumed these human bodies, through rites associated with the fire principle.  My body arose from the offering brought out of the flames of the sacrificial fire by the God Agni Himself.  You arose from the earth that was furrowed by the plough in order to consecrate it for a fire-altar, where a yagna had to be performed. Our bodies are born in fire and are being sustained by the warmth of fire.  Therefore, Sita, deposit all your Divine attributes and splendor in the fire, and act as an ordinary human being hereafter.  I too shall move and act as an ordinary human being and exhibit sorrow and anxiety on your account, the pangs of separation and the pain of loneliness. The world will keep in mind only these reactions.  Remember that even the smallest act of ours has to be an ideal for the householders of the world. We have to hold forth as models in the relationship between husband and wife, these ideals have to be in consonance with the principles of Truth and righteousness.  Our activities have to be in conformity with the guidelines laid down in the Shastras, the spiritual; texts.  We have to shape our lives in an exemplary manner so that the common man can follow the ideals elaborated therein.  We have to enact this drama until the final consummation, namely, the destruction of Ravana and the Raakshasas (demons).

Therefore, place your Divine splendor in the keeping fo the God of fire, Agni, and move about as an ordinary woman caught in the coils of illusion, Maya. For, there can be no effect without a cause. We must redeem the effect namely, the destruction of Ravana and the Raakshasas. Therefore, we must manipulate a cause to justify it or bring it about.  Ravana has a basic fault in his character, namely, his lustful passion.  We have to highlight it before the world. So, we have to prepare such a situation that it would appear as if he kidnaps you in a fit of passion. The world has to realize that his ‘dedication and devotion to God’ are not of the highest order, for, of what use is that sense of surrender if it is tarnished by the craving for carnal pleasure and immoral yearning? Activities and behavior emanating from a consciousness that is not pure and is tarnished, and the devotion to God that is polluted by lust is as foul as dirt.  These truths have to emphasized now, for the benefit of mankind.

“It is also imperative to announce for the benefit of the mankind that any spiritual Sadhana or asceticism or religious rites undertaken with the intention of gaining super-human powers are pernicious. We have to hold forth Ravana as a warning to mankind that, however many Divine rites and acts one may do, if one does not give up one’s demonic passions and impulses, they add up to only one result – rendering them unholy and sterile.

Over and above all this, there is one overwhelming consideration we have to place before ourselves. There is a curse that has been pronounced on Ravana and he has also been assured of a means by which he could see its consequence.  We have to see that the means is fulfilled.  The beginning of his end has arrived. Today or tomorrow, we have to be separated from each other. Of course, we are inseparable entities and nothing can keep us apart. Yet, we have to pretend that it has happened, in order to render the make- believe effective.  Go now, and deposit your Divine Form in the keeping of Agni (fire). It is time for Lakshmana to return with fruits and tubers.  Also, Ravana is ready with his perverted intelligence.

“I have to inform you of another secret, too. You have to perform your part in the destruction of the Rakshasas. Though you might be apparently under the surveillance of Ravana, since your power is immanent in Fire, you will have to burn Lanka to ashes, not by fire, but by you as fire. In addition, Rama has to kill Ravana; that is the Divine Will.  This truth has to be proclaimed. This mystery is to be kept away from Lakshmana also. He is our instrument in our endeavors. When this task is accomplished and when we re-enter Ayodhya, I shall accept you again from the fire where you reside. That act too I will transform into a lesson for the world. The Drama starts now.”

Both Sita and Rama decided on their plan of action and awaited the unfoldment of Ravana’s strategy. From that moment, every act and behavior of Sita and Rama, the pangs of separation, the gasps of anxiety, the signs of pain, the groans of grief – were gestures and reactions in the drama decided upon. They were not genuine at all. For, how can Sita and Rama ever be separated! Through their conduct, they only willed to teach mankind some valuable lessons.

When Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, Lakshmana felt like giving up his life, for he was the cause for Sita’s kidnap.  Later he realized that his death may cause more sorrow to Rama.  Lakshmana then realized that it had all happened because of Rama’s will. It was a part of His drama, and he pleaded Rama to tell the truth behind His play.  Then Rama replied with a smile;

“Lakshmana! You are a limb of my person, so, what can I keep away from you?  I have incarnated in order to uphold and foster Dharma. To do so, I have to enact many scenes of righteous conduct.  A baby that wails has to be comforted into quietness by means of prattle and play, toys and jingles, songs and swings. The mother has to devise many stratagems on the spot in order to persuade the baby to drink the milk that it needs.  Similarly, dear brother, I, who am the mother of the Universe have to act in these manifold ways to re-establish righteousness and demolish unrighteousness.  These incidents have been designed to secure the twin aims of the removal of grief and the wining of bliss. They are not just meaningless exercises.

Ordinary folds base their conduct on the ideals presented to them.  So, as the Master and Leader, I have to practice what I intend to place before the as ideal conduct.  Unless I practice what I hold forth as ideal, I cannot claim to be Master and leader. When masters and leaders, who do not deserve the positions, but still exercise their authority, righteousness declines and unrighteousness runs wild.  Therefore, brother, remember that those in authority as masters and leaders must prove their advice right, in actual practice. They must realize the ideals they preach by their own genuine effort.  This is the way  for them  to earn the grace of God and the gratitude of men.

“Sita knows the role she is playing. These two bodies – Sita’s and Mind – evince the joys and pains of union and separation only as bodies! The pain and pleasure, the weeping and wailing are all illusory and unreal. They follow the needs and compulsions of the incarnation I have taken upon Myself, along with other limitations.  I am taking you into confidence regarding My reality. Take note that you too will have to act in conformity, as the story unfolds. This Divine Mystery is beyond the intelligence of others. So, you must all keep mum on this and play according to the rules. We have to concentrate on the mission for which we have come.”

After this revelation, they plunged immediately into the task of searching for Sita. Both acted their roles during this search most sincerely, admirably, and realistically. Not only the brothers, but Sita too exhibited supreme nobility and acted with equal staunchness and sincerity, even though the Rakshasa guards terrorized her and threatened her most cruelly. The drama enacted by the two parties held forth for every householder and every individual, the highest ideal of righteous conduct.

Baba 

March 16, 2010 – Ugadi in the Divine Presence

As per the Bharatiya calendar, the New Year day is called Yugadi, meaning, the beginning of an era. There is a cycle of 60 years which keep repeating and each of these 60 years has a name. The current year, it would be the goodbye ceremony for "Virodhi" and the welcome for "Vikruthi". Yugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh translates into Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and into Cheti Chand for those of the Sindhi origin.

But at Puttaparthi, which is a potpourri of all people and religions, any festival becomes important to all because Swami is involved! And so, on the bright morning of the 16th, thousands gathered in Sai Kulwant all, waiting for the "orange" of their eyes to arrive! The "apple" of their eyes arrived instead as Swami chose to don the bright red robe that day!

Just after 9:30 a.m., Swami arrived. His path had been lined with traditional items and that formed a beautiful picture. A huge arch proclaimed the Truth that Sai was with, in and around everyone and Swami moved under it and entered the ladies' side. Moving through the aisle between the students, Swami entered the gents' side.

The stage had been adorned with flowers and an impressive temple like environs had been simulated for the centrestage. Swami completed the darshan rounds and moved into the interview room. Along with Him went Mr. Indulal Shah and Justice Bhagawati.

At about 10:10 a.m., Swami arrived on the dais. Two chairs had been placed on either side of Him and on them sat Justice Bhagawati and Mr. Indulal Shah. As Swami arrived, He asked the All India President, Mr. V. Srinivasan to introduce Justice Bhagawati, the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. The Justice, who spoke from a typed script, announced the new Trustees appointed by Swami for the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.

He made it very clear that this was no family Trust as some "misinformed" people and "fools" outside seem to propagate and that the SSSCT was the largest public charitable trust in the world with many behemoth projects under its belt! He also stated that committees of students working for the trust would be responsible for administering it.

After his speech, Mr. Srinivasan introduced Mr. Indulal Shah who spoke along similar lines. Then Swami told Mr. Srinivasan himself to speak and he spoke on the glory of the Sathya Sai Avatar.

Even as he concluded, Swami asked for His mikes to be brought. Taking a sip of water, Swami began with the poem on the great women of Bharath. Then He went on to narrate in detail the story of the travails of Raja Harishchandra - how he gave up all his wealth and riches and finally his kingdom.

Then he sacrificed his wife and child and finally donned the profession of an undertaker to abide by Truth. As Swami relived the way Lord Shiva appeared before the king, He became very emotional and seeing Him, one felt ashamed that we have become so heartless today that such noble ideals do not seem to move us at all.

Swami then shifted to saying that the Avatar is not external - The Avatar is present in each and every one of us. When it is said that He has thousand hands, eyes and feet, it only means that every being in the world is a manifestation of God.

Swami also emphasized that one must hold on steadfastly with faith in one's chosen name and form of the Lord. Out of the blue, He asked a student in the front, "Where do you come from?" The answer was, "Bombay." Swami said, "Bombay is the place from where your body comes from. The true source for all is the Atma.

I am I is the Truth." He asked another student, "What do you want?" The boy replied, "You Swami!" Swami called him to the stage and materialized a golden ring for him. Swami also said, "I am always with you, around you and in you"- a reinforcement!

Having done that, Swami kept silent for a while and everyone bathed in the beauty of living in the Present, in the Presence. Then the inimitable Prof. Anil Kumar asked Swami, "Swami, my heart longs to say something, can I?" Swami agreed.

In beautiful Telugu, the professor quoted the great poets who had written about Swami and filled everyone with the music of their words. He narrated lovely incidents that manifested His Divine grandeur and Grace and everyone in the audience were smiling and joyful. He said that when one is with God, what is there to worry about the influences of the planets or the lines on the hand.

It was 11:45 a.m. when he finished his talk and then Swami asked for the Aarthi. Prasadam was blessed for distribution. Also blessed for distribution were copies of a book by Dr. Sara Pavan - Ooru Ledhu, Peru Ledhu. Swami then called a student from the front and told him that Samastha Loka… must be chanted. That was done.

There is a tradition that on every Yugadi day, a mixture of jaggery, neem, mango, salt and chilly is consumed signifying that one accepts all the joys and sufferings that the year has with equanimity. This mixture was taken to Swami and Bhagavan added the "divine flavour" to the pudding! Then, blessing all, Swami moved towards the residence.

It was at 5:30 p.m. in the evening that Swami arrived. He took a detour through the students and moved towards the stage. The students from the Mirpuri college of Music prayed for an opportunity to present a musical presentation in His presence. Swami nodded in agreement. As soon as He came on stage, He asked the students to begin.

The first song was the famous, "Maha Ganapatim…” in raga Hamsadhwani. It was classically rendered and that was followed by a Sitar recital. Then there was a Hindustani rendering in raga Thodi, which was followed by a Veena recital. The mridangam accompanying the Veena was played with such finesse that one wondered as to which was the lead instrument and which was the accompanying one!

They concluded with the famous Thyagaraja Kirtan, "Bantureethi Kulu". Embedded in it was a jugalbandi between the Tabla, Mridangam, Ghatam and the Carnatic Kanjira. That went on for about 20 minutes and as it built in speed and complexity, the audience were increasingly enthralled.

When they completed, there was a thunderous applause. Swami called the lead singer who was heading the Jugalbandi and told him, "See, how one person is able to confer joy to so many!" He replied, "Swami, it is only Your Grace." Swami materialized a gold ring and put it on his finger.

He then moved down the stage and posed for group pictures with all the performers. Then He moved up the stage and blessed safari pieces to be distributed to all. After that, one by one, all the students began to move up the stage with their respective instruments.

It was a beautiful sight to see Swami strum the Sitar and Veena, play upon the tabla and mridamgam, knock at the kanjira and pull the many strings of the sur mandal. The students were positively delighted as they seemed to be re-initiated in the presence of Mother Saraswati herself. Aarthi was then performed and Swami moved towards Yajur Mandir. It was now 7:20 p.m.

sourced:

http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Portal/pd-articles/PD-16_03_2010.htm

March 9, 2010 – Divine Blessings for the Newly Christened Sri Sathya Sai EWWT

The Easwaramma Women's Welfare Trust (EWWT) has grown ever since its inception and has been doing its bit in uplifting and helping the rural women. The "Mother and Child" services they provide has helped many an expectant mother and the delivered babe.

On March 9 they were to grow in ways more than one. For one, a new ambulance had arrived to be blessed for commissioning by Bhagavan. And then, they had also been newly christened as the Sri Sathya Sai EWWT (SSSEWWT). And so, at Yajur Mandir, the ambulance awaited Swami's arrival and as always, in the Sai Kulwant Hall, the devotees waited for Him. In retrospect, we can say that Swami came at 6:20 p.m., but nobody at that time knew this!

A small note here about the devotion of the devotees. Their love for Swami and the Lord's love for them act synergistically and result in Swami being ready to do anything for them and them being ready to do anything for Him. There were times when books, pens, paper and other harmless material would be allowed inside the darshan hall. But when these articles were barred because of security concerns, the devotee never gave up. Instead his devotion and pining for Swami intensified as he left his mind also outside along with the books et al.

There are volunteers who ensure that people do not rush to touch His delicate feet, and whenever Swami moves on the road there are sevadals and security personnel with ropes to protect His car, all this is necessary to make certain that the over enthusiastic devotees in their devotion do not put the Lord into any kind of inconvenience but at the same time it has also meant reduced access to the devotees in general. But the sincere devotee transmutes every such so called hurdle into a tool for spiritual upliftment. Hats off to every devotee for their patience and perseverance!

To continue with that day’s story, as mentioned before, Swami arrived at 6:20 p.m. Even as He came and saw the van waiting, it seemed as if a part of Him was keen to enter the darshan hall. So irresistible indeed is the pull of pure love that even God finds it hard to keep away! God for whom nothing is impossible! So Swami sees the ambulance parked and blesses coconuts to be broken. That is done and aarthi is taken. He waves His hand in benediction. Anything good that is done, God's blessings are always there.

Even as Swami moves into the hall a huge wave of smiles welcome Him. He beams back - a reflection. Gently moving through the swelling crowds, He takes a letter here and throws a packet of Vibhuti to a devotee there. There is so much joy in the air and if at all you go to the devotee and ask, "Was all your ordeal worth it?" his answer would be, "You bet it was! Every bit of it!" And that is the manifestation of Swami's love for His devotees. He need not speak for as the conscience His voice is heard with crystal clear clarity in every heart. He need not touch the devotee for he has already been touched!

Swami moved around the hall for a complete round. One darshan and thousands of problems are solved, thousands of hearts are delighted. He blessed the birthday boys by sprinkling the holy akshatha grains; the smile on their faces spoke of their delight. Some students rose to show Him trophies of honour that have been conferred on them. The greatest joy for them is to see Swami smile and that is a greater honour. Swami conferred that joy to them.

Completing the full round, Swami moved onto the stage. Along the way, He collected letters from devotees in the portico. The bhajans were on and Swami sat for them. "God" alone knows of the transformation and the moulding that goes on as bhajans progress. Swami was there listening to the bhajans till 7 p.m. and then asked for Aarthi. The camphor was waved and Swami retired into the Yajur Mandir at 7:10 p.m.

March 14, 2010 – Blessings for the Rudram Chanting Group from Bangalore

The devotees from Bangalore started a noble and inspiring initiative in the New Year. From the January of 2010, as a special effort for the 85th Birthday, at least 11 members gather at a house to chant the Rudram 11 times. This has been done at 85 homes of Sai Youth. Once this Rudra Parayanam is done, the Rudram reverberates daily in these homes at least once a day. Having completed that in 85 homes, they had arrived to Prashanti Nilayam to seek Swami's blessings. They were seated in the hall, dressed in red dhoti and angavastram.

At 5:10 p.m., Swami arrived for darshan. He took a complete round and as He neared the area in the gents' side where these devotees from Bangalore were seated, He stopped. Swami looked into the details of the whole effort that had been made. He said, "It is the exact thing that is needed for World Peace and Harmony." That statement in itself brought so much joy to the first-liners who heard the statement from the Divine lips. The photos of the chantings done were shown to Swami.

Bhagavan then moved forward and a group of alumni were blessed with an interaction. Swami completed the darshan rounds and arrived on the stage as the bhajans went on. He beamed smiles all around and the freshness in His face seemed to act as a cooling balm in the scorching Puttaparthi summer. After a while, He blessed prasadam to be distributed. At about 6:00 p.m., Swami had a look at the clock and then moved into the interview room.

Calling Mr. Vinay Kumar, Swami asked, "Where is the group? The chanting has to begin!" Mr. Vinay, in a daze, called all the members and as per Swami's instructions, led them into the bhajan hall. What everyone seemed to have forgotten was that day also happened to be the beginning of the day of Masa Shivaratri. Masa Shivratri is an auspicious day to perform Shiva Puja which is observed on every Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi day in a Hindu month. And once it had started, Swami had wanted the Rudram chants to begin! How could Shiva forget Shivaratri! By 6:45 p.m., Swami and all the youth from Bangalore were in the hall.

Swami looked at them and said, "Begin the chanting." And then, in one voice, the Rudram rang through the length and breadth of the hall and beyond. The bhajans volume was reduced and Swami now began to slowly move through the chanting devotees. They were so happy and even as they chanted whole heartedly and full throated, they bent to take namaskar. Neat rows were made and Swami kept moving through them.

He collected letters from those who had one to offer. Finally, He moved to the center, up front and sat hearing them chant. Sitting there, He began to scrutinize the devotees and He caught one or two who were not that confident in their chanting. Swami also made some observations.  He said that the oneness of voice must improve and everyone must improve the chanting. And then, a touching episode occurred.

Seated in the first row was a tragedy-struck youth member. He had lost his newly-wed wife in a fire tragedy that took place at Carlton towers in Bangalore about three weeks ago. Swami called Mr. Vinay Kumar and asked him, "Shall I grant him dhairyam (courage and perseverance)?" Mr. Vinay just had nothing to say. Swami then called the "unfortunate" youth and spoke lovingly to him. He told him that He was always with him and he should never lose heart. Saying so, He waved His hand and created a golden ring for him.

He then put it on his index finger. The devotee was in tears and all the communication was being done by his eyes. Swami then moved around for another round amidst these youth. He continued to speak and interact. Meanwhile, one of the photographers got the printed pictures and gave it to Swami.

Swami now called the youth whom He had given the ring and pointing to him in the photo asked, "Who is this?" He answered, "Me, Swami." "You and Swami!" Swami said almost instantly and then told him that the picture showed the reality - that He was always with him! That was such a consoling assurance and tears welled up in his eyes. Swami saw the other photo of the entire group chanting and gifted it to one other member. Then, raising both His hands in loving benediction, Swami moved to the stage. He sat for a couple more bhajans before receiving aarthi.